Wings of Grace

Chapter 12

With the work projects nearly completed, Antoine and Luna decided to the time had come for them to discuss plans for the next big event in their lives… the permanent "joining together" of the couple.

Since he had held such a big event to announce their engagement, they agreed that their "wedding" should be a quiet ceremony, attended by their closest friends. Location wise they chose the courtyard of the castle; it would be beautiful in the summertime.

For her attendant, Luna chose to ask Shadowstar, who had befriended her at SilverGlade's castle.. Though circumstances were now somewhat different, they remained friends… well as far as Luna knew, she could still trust Shadow.

Antoine selected the Fennec fox, sure he too had worked with SiilverGlade, but later turned in formant and thus aided Antoine in the final rescue of Luna. This would make a rather odd scene; the fennec was half the size of Antoine, but now made up for it in loyalty.

Despite their decision to keep it small and almost private, they soon became aware that the good news had spread rapidly. Well, they certainly wouldn’t turn away anyone who showed up to be a part of their special day. So many people helped them when they needed it.

Luna decided that she would visit the dressmakers shop in town and ask Valerie to design a gown for her. She was also the same cat lady who designed and entire wardrobe for Luna when she lived at SilverGlade's castle, so she knew the size and style she preferred.

Valerie was excited to hear about the good news, and was more than happy to be a part of the special occasion. As she began to measure Luna once more for a proper fit, she remembered the wings and how she needed to adjust for them.

"your wings are beautiful, Luna." Valerie said to her, "Do you ever use them? I'd love to see you fly." Luna lowered her head, somewhat embarrassed, "No, I never used them, I guess maybe I am afraid to try them out." Valerie attempted to encourage her, "You really should test them, suppose there was an emergency and you needed them?" Luna shrugged her shoulder, but said nothing, so Valerie dropped the subject and continued to take measurements, and jotting down notes as she went.

Finally she asked Luna what style of gown she wanted. When they had agreed on a pattern, Luna told her, "I'll need a similar dress for my maid of honor. Its Shadowstar, you already know her."

Valerie smiled and nodded, she and Shadow had been friends for years. If possible Shadow wanted her dress to be red, it would be most flattering against her grey and white fur. By choosing gowns that weren't too formal or fussy, they would be able to wear them for any occasion. The gowns would have to be shortened and hemmed, but that would be no problem for Valerie.

On the morning of the chosen date, the flowers in the courtyard had come into full blood, so little additional decorating was necessary. Previously the crew had constructed a gazebo and their mates now draped it with white ribbons, red roses, and greenery, giving the setting a more festive appearance.

The same harpists who had played for Antoine's banquet presented musical selections as the guests were arriving. The clergymen from town came out to officiate.

At the appointed time, Antoine appeared and then the fennec stepped up beside him. Presently Shadowstar walked up and stood with them, and then Luna.

She looked radiant, the blush shown even through her white fur. The gown Valerie had designed was simple yet elegant.

Created of white satin, it featured a sweatheart necklace and a dropped waist. The sleeves were double layers and resembled her own wings. The full skirt trailed behind her gracefully as she stepped forward. A plain sheer veil was placed on her head between her ears, completing the ensemble.

Her wings glistened in the sunlight as if they were draped with cobwebs. She kept them tightly closed and they draped down her back like a second train to her gown. Seeing this vision, the guests all oo'd and aahh'd at the sight.

As soon as the party had gathered at the gazebo, the clergyman turned to face them and the guests, "In all honesty, I have never performed a wedding quite like this… human yes; other creatures, no. however I am happy that this couple has chosen to stay together for as long as they live, so I am willing to hold an appropriate ceremony to honor their decision."

Thus he proceeded with a ritual he had written himself for this unusual service. When he had concluded, he nodded to the happy couple who then hugged, kissed, and rubbed noses to the delight of everyone present.

At the conclusion of the affections, Luna and Antoine turned to greet their friends and, to their utter amazement and, noticed a familiar pair of adult red foxes, his parents had come from France to witness their son's special day and, at long last, to make peace. They hugged both Antoine and Luna; there were tears of joy on every face.

The newlyweds invited his parents to stay and make use of their guest room, but they had other plans and had to decline the invitation for now. They did promise to visit later now that the "fences had been mended", so to speak.